The Maid of Sker · Chapter
Boat Versus Bardie explained
Davy Llewellyn reflects on his acquisition of the boat and his rescue of Bardie, worrying about Evan Thomas's potential reaction.
What happens
Davy Llewellyn reflects on his acquisition of the boat and his rescue of Bardie, worrying about Evan Thomas's potential reaction. He justifies his possession of the boat by constructing a narrative about a shipwreck, the Planter's Welvard, and his own role in the events. He hides the boat, attends church to maintain his reputation, and later decides to visit Bardie at Sker-Manor, taking his granddaughter Bunny with him despite the extreme heat.
Themes in this chapter
Truth and Narrative Reliability
Davy openly manipulates the truth to justify his actions, constructing a story about the shipwreck and his own role, while acknowledging that he may be inventing details.
Morality and Hypocrisy
Davy attends church to maintain appearances and avoid suspicion, despite his questionable acquisition of the boat and his self-serving justifications.
Maritime Life and Adventure
The chapter centers on Davy's new boat, his fishing, and his navigation of the coast, highlighting the maritime setting and his identity as a fisherman.
Characters to notice
- Davy Llewellyn
Narrator and protagonist; reflects on his actions, justifies his possession of the boat, and plans to visit Bardie.
- Bardie
The rescued child; Davy is concerned about her memory of events and plans to visit her.
- Evan Thomas
Mentioned as the likely owner of the boat; Davy fears his drunken and violent reaction.
- Moxy Thomas
Mentioned in relation to Evan Thomas; Davy insists his relationship with her was harmless.
- Bunny
Davy's granddaughter; accompanies him on the walk to Sker-Manor but is carried due to the heat.
- Mother Jones
Joins Davy and Bunny for Sunday dinner.
- Colonel Lougher
Mentioned as a magistrate; Davy hopes to impress him by attending church.
- Sandy Macraw
Mentioned as someone with sharp eyes; Davy hides the boat to avoid detection.
Key passages
“Glad as I was, for the poor child's sake, that Black Evan happened to be from home, I had perhaps some reason also to rejoice on my own account.”
I was relieved that Evan was away, both for Bardie's safety and my own.
Davy expresses relief that Evan Thomas is absent, fearing his violent reaction.
“Now I have by nature the very strongest affection for truth that can be reconciled with a good man's love of reason.”
I naturally love truth, but I also value reason and flexibility.
Davy ironically justifies his willingness to bend the truth.
“The wonder is that I could judge of anything at all, I think, after the long and hard day's work, for a man not so young as he used to be.”
It's amazing I could think clearly after such a tiring day, especially at my age.
Davy acknowledges his fatigue and age, casting doubt on his own perceptions.
“It is beneath me to go on with what might seem excuses. Enough that I felt myself in the right; and what more can any man do, if you please, however perfect he may be?”
I won't make excuses; I believe I was right, and that's enough.
Davy dismisses further justification, asserting his own sense of righteousness.
